The Algebra of Freedom

7:84 Theatre Company


Maryam Hamidi as Fatima in The Algebra of Freedom
It’s not unusual to find characters haunted by the past in plays with serious subject matters, but this phenomenon is rarely illustrated so boldly as in Raman Mundair’s new play for troubled political theatre company 7:84.

"7:84 needed to
bounce back with
a bold, timely
production...
this fits the bill"

Some may be uncomfortable with the ghostly dimension to this drama, inspired by the shooting of Jean Charles de Menezes, but strong performances and a thoughtful script make for a respectful meditation on freedom, guilt and forgiveness.
Poet and playwright Raman Mundair has made a huge leap from the heavy-handed Side Effects, presented last year by the National Theatre of Scotland Young Company, and while The Algebra of Freedom is not perfect, it is insightful and neatly structured. In contrast to some 7:84-comissioned work, there is room for the characters to breathe, not just to exchange stiff lines of polemical dialogue.
Oliver Miceli is superb in the daunting role of the relentlessly cheerful Brazilian credited only as ‘Man’, matched by Robert Jack as the guilt-stricken police officer who can’t forget him. Maryam Hamidi is also memorable as the enigmatic Fatima, determined that her husband Parvez (Simon Rivers) won’t allow himself to be consumed by anger.
Director Jo Ronan, who along with Will Potts also co-designed the production’s very effective sound design, makes light work of the play’s many scene changes, helped by David Sneddon’s flexible design.
7:84 needed to bounce back with a bold, timely production, and The Algebra of Freedom fits the bill.

Shona Craven

Until September 9 at The Arches, Glasgow.
Tel: 0870 240 7528.

September 11 2007, Harbour Arts Centre, Irvine, September 13, Woodend Arts Centre, Banchory, September 14, Universal hall, Findhorn, September 15, Aberdeen Arts Centre, September 19, Byre Theatre, St Andrews, September 20, Paisley Arts Centre, Seo 26, The Regal Community Theatre, Bathgate, September 27, Platform At The Bridge Centre, Easterhouse, September 28, Cumbernauld Theatre, September 29, Brunton Theatre, Musselburgh, October 2 to 4, The Bongo Club, Edinburgh, October 5, East Kilbride Arts Centre, October 6, Macrobert, Stirling.

www.784theatre.com

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What the papers said:

The Herald:
*** "The close-up feel of Jo Ronan's small-scale production can't help but betray the fact that it would be served far better on the small screen than on stage. "

The Scotsman:
*** "A strong, important play... The problem is that the execution of it, both in the text and in Jo Ronan's production, is often clankingly awkward and inexperienced."

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